Golf ball parting line configuration and mold

Abstract

A golf ball comprises two generally hemispherical portions joined together at a parting line and comprising dimples on respective outer surfaces thereof. The parting line comprises a repeating pattern of curved segments alternating with straight segments. The parting line crosses a geometric equator of the golf ball, and wherein the parting line intersects at least one dimple bordering the equator. A mold for producing a golf ball is also described.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A golf ball, comprising:
 two generally hemispherical portions joined together at a parting line and comprising dimples on respective outer surfaces thereof; 
 the parting line comprising a repeating pattern of curved segments alternating with straight segments, wherein the parting line crosses the geometric equator of the golf ball and wherein the curved segments of the parting line have their respective maxima points on a first side of the equator and the straight segments of the parting line are on a second side of the equator opposite the first side; 
 wherein the repeating pattern has a period of approximately 72°, such that along one period from 0° to 72° the straight segments are progressively positioned farther from the equator and then progressively positioned closer to the equator, and the maxima points of the curved segments are progressively positioned closer to the equator and then progressively positioned farther from the equator; 
 wherein each period of the parting line includes exactly five curved segments and exactly five straight segments; and 
 wherein the parting line intersects at least one dimple bordering the equator. 
 
     
     
       2. The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein the straight segments of the parting line are spaced apart from the equator. 
     
     
       3. The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein the curved segments and the straight segments are joined together at junctions each having a fillet radius. 
     
     
       4. The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein the parting line intersects exactly one dimple. 
     
     
       5. The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein the dimples have a substantially uniform diameter. 
     
     
       6. The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein the dimples have a substantially uniform depth. 
     
     
       7. The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein each of the curved segments crosses the geometric equator of the golf ball. 
     
     
       8. A golf ball, comprising:
 two generally hemispherical portions joined together at a parting line and comprising dimples on respective outer surfaces thereof; 
 the parting line being defined by a first function comprising a sine wave superposed with a second function to yield a repeating pattern of curved segments which have their respective maxima points on a first side of the equator and alternating with straight segments which are on a second side of the equator opposite the first side; 
 wherein the sine wave has a period of approximately 72°, such that along one period from 0° to 72° the straight segments are progressively positioned farther from the equator and then progressively positioned closer to the equator, and the maxima points of the curved segments are progressively positioned closer to the equator and then progressively positioned farther from the equator; 
 wherein each period of the parting line includes exactly five curved segments and exactly five straight segments; and 
 wherein the parting line extends about the golf ball, intersecting a bordering dimple and remaining spaced apart from other bordering dimples. 
 
     
     
       9. The golf ball of  claim 8 , wherein the parting line has an angular deviation from the equator such that it falls within 3′ latitude on either side of the equator. 
     
     
       10. The golf ball of  claim 8 , wherein the parting line has an angular deviation from the equator such that it falls within 1.5° latitude on either side of the equator. 
     
     
       11. The golf ball of  claim 8 , wherein the two generally hemispherical portions are asymmetrical relative to each other. 
     
     
       12. The golf ball of  claim 8 , wherein
 the golf ball has a geometric equator, and wherein the geometric equator extends around the golf ball and the parting line oscillates about the equator as the parting line extends around the golf ball. 
 
     
     
       13. The golf ball of  claim 8 , wherein the curved segments and the straight segments are joined together at junctions each having a fillet radius. 
     
     
       14. The golf ball of  claim 8 , wherein the dimples have a substantially uniform diameter. 
     
     
       15. The golf ball of  claim 8 , wherein the dimples have a substantially uniform depth. 
     
     
       16. The golf ball of  claim 8 , wherein the parting line is bordered by about 30 dimples on each side. 
     
     
       17. The golf ball of  claim 8 , wherein the parting line is bounded by 1.5 degree latitude lines on either side of the equator.